Current Section

• General Questions
• Swim Questions
• Bike Questions
• Course Questions
• Equipment Questions
• Transition Area
• Start Wave Questions
• USAT Questions
• Registration FAQs

Q: Is the Delaware safe?
A: Yes, the Delaware is safe and clean. Water quality testing is done regularly. No vaccines, no shots, no panic attacks necessary. Calm down. The race has people at the start to help for the faint of heart. It is a tidal river so you swim with the current. The swim is very fast. Race Directors do their homework and choose the best spot for our swimmers to race in. You will be amazed!

Registration Changes

Q: If I am unable to participate in the race, may I get a refund? 
A: No. There will be absolutely no refunds or transfers of entry to another participant. We do offer medical rollovers and transfers between divisions and distances.

Q: If I am unable to participate in the race, may I give my entry to a friend?
A: No. If someone else races under your name and is injured or causes an accident, that person will not be covered by any protection purchased by the registrant through the USA Triathlon sanction and insurance. Additionally, if the athlete racing in your name causes injury or damage, you may be liable in part for those damages.

Q: What is the procedure for making a change to an entry?
A: If you need to change your entry category or distance, there will be a processing fee of $25. You will also be responsible for any difference in entry fees. All change requests must be submitted to race@hightorquesports.com. Again, there will be no refunds or transfers of entry.

General Questions

Questions About the Swim

Questions About the Bike

Questions About the Course

REGISTRATION FAQ’S

REGISTRATION FAQ’S

Are you a first-time Tri-State Triathlete? Maybe this is your first race ever! We’ve got you covered. Take a look below, and we bet we’ve got answers for all of your questions.

How far is the Tri-State Triathlon?
The Tri-State Triathlon consists of a Sprint Triathlon event.

Sprint Distance Race – 600 meter swim in the Delaware, 16K bike up Hawk’s Nest and back (10 miles), and a 5k run (3.1 miles) through historic Port Jervis, finishing at the beautiful West End Beach.

How difficult is the Swim?

Although times vary with wave number, skill level, and mild current speed, the swim in the Delaware River is one of cleanest and most beautiful in the sport of triathlon.

Can anyone enter?
Yes. This race includes every skill level. Professionals, fast amateurs, and regular Joes just like you. The average finishing time is 2 hours for the Sprint race. Easy breezy.

When does 2015 online registration open?
March 15, 2015 at 12:01 AM EST. Details for the 2015 registration process can be found here.

How much is the 2015 entry fee?
$85 for the Sprint event. Well worth every penny!

When does 2015 registration close?
Registration will close when the maximum number of athletes is acquired. As you may have heard this is a very sought after race so apply early.

How do I register?
Go online to tri-statetriathlon.com and sign up under the registration link. Or just click here. For regular updates and entry reminders join our mailing list or become our fan on Facebook.

How do I know if I’m in?
All applicants will be notified via e-mail. Make sure to check your spam filter and don’t forget to print all emails that include registration information.

Do I have to pre-qualify?
No, anyone can enter. Fast, slow, beginner, stud – anyone.

Can I enter if I’ve never done a triathlon?
Sure, everyone has to start somewhere. Why not start with the Tri-State Triathlon!

What if I enter and I can’t compete?

Unfortunately there are no refunds once you complete your registration. However, you can defer to the following year and receive a guaranteed entry! just email us before race day and we will take care of it.

Do I have to be a member of USA Triathlon?
No, but you’ll save money on a one-day insurance fee if you are a member. And you get a cool magazine and some other stuff! Become a USAT member here.

Do I have to live in New York?
No, the Tri-State Triathlon will be open for entrants from 50 countries and 50 states. Check out the TST Travel Link for more information about hotel deals and what to do when you’re in beautiful Tri-State Area.

Evidently I ask questions more frequently than the next guy. I still have some!
Technically that’s not a question, but it’s no problem, just email us.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

FAQ’S

More Questions? We’ve got More Answers

“What is an Athlete Briefing and Why are they so important?”

The Tri-State Triathlon will offer 1 Mandatory Athlete Briefing on Race Day. This briefing will provide athletes with information about the race course, race rules, last minute information about the race, weather or road and water conditions. All athletes are required to attend the race day briefing. Please see the Athletes Guide for course briefing times.

“What does it mean that the tri-state Triathlon is “USAT Sanctioned” and why do I have to pay $15 to become a one-day member?”

USAT, or USA Triathlon, is the national governing body of the sport of Triathlon. Sanctioning an event through USAT means the race is provided insurance for its athletes, race coordinators, and volunteers. As a sanctioned triathlon, all athletes are required to either be an annual USAT member or purchase a one-day membership pass. If you are currently a USAT member please make sure to bring your proof of membership when you pick up your packet. If you do not bring this proof, you will be charged for the one-day membership fee. If you are not an annual member, you will need to purchase a one-day membership (to insure you as a Triathlete) before you are able to pick up your packet. One-day membership costs $15, and will be collected when you pick up your registration, if you have not already paid it online.

• If you are NOT a member of USAT (USA Triathlon), you must bring $15 to purchase a one-day membership, if you have not already done so during online registration.
• Questions/concerns. There will be course talks and info listed on the website on Friday and Saturday for you to ask any and all questions about the course, and about the race in general. Please view the Race Weekend Schedule for course briefing times.

SUNDAY PARKING

• Just show up, leave the parking to us

Additional questions below

RACE FAQS

Q: What if I enter and I can’t compete?

A: Unfortunately, there are no refunds and no exchanges. You can’t transfer or sell your entry. However, you can defer your registration and receive an early entry opportunity for 2015. Contact us for deferral details. Your 2015 entry fee will not be transferred to 2016.

Q: What is the expected water temperature in the Delaware River?

A: Approximately 76 degrees Fahrenheit

Q: Are wetsuits allowed?
A: You may wear your wet suit regardless of water temperature. However, if race officials announce race morning that the water temperature is above the wetsuit-legal limit of 78 then you will not count for an age group award if you wear your wetsuit.

Q: Is there a warm up swim or ride on Sunday morning?

A: Neither one will be allowed. Bikes may not be removed from transition once you have checked your bike in. Athletes will not be allowed to enter the Delaware River until the start of their wave.

Q: Do I have to go to the briefings before I check my bike into transition?
A: Yes, all participants must attend the mandatory briefing in order to pick up their packet. Your bike number will be inside your race packet and you will then attach it to your bike. No bikes will be allowed in transition without a bike number, and no bikes will be allowed out of transition without a bike number and corresponding wristband. A non-athlete may check-in a bike for an athlete if he or she is unable to do so on Saturday.

Q: Can my secretary/friend/teammate/doorman/nanny pick up my race packet on race morning?
A: No! Only the athlete can pick up his or her packet. Notice a trend yet?

Q: Can members of a relay team pick up all of their team members packets? Can I pick up my friend’s packet?
A: NO! Every participant must attend a briefing, pick up their own packet, and sign their own waiver.

Q: What if I cannot attend the briefings?
A: All participants must attend the 1 mandatory briefing — no briefing? No race, no finisher’s medal, no glory.

Q: How many water stations are on the run course?

A: Two, plus one at the finish.

Q: Do I have to wear the wristband given to me at packet pick-up?
A: Yes, all participants are required to wear the wristband until Sunday afternoon when your bike is removed from transition. Race staff will put these on your wrist as you pick up your packet. This will serve as your identification for entering into the transition Sunday morning and ensure that only you can remove your bike from transition.

Q: Do I have to wear the swim cap?
A: Yes, the swim cap must be worn. The color given to each athlete is specific to your wave, so you cannot switch colors, you cannot switch waves, you cannot switch anything.

Q: What is the best place for spectators to watch the race?

A: Swim Exit: top of the park entrance

Run Course: Along Water Street
Race Finish: Finish Fest Port Jervis Waterfront Front Street

Q: What cool stuff do I get for entering and finishing?
A: First, you get to do the Triathlon. No one swims in the Delaware on purpose but you can! No one rides their bike all over Hawk’s Nest on the main roads with Police escort but you will! All finishers receive a very cool finisher’s medal modeled after something in the Beautiful Hudson Valley.

Q: I’m a Yankees fan. What do I get?
A: Sympathy.

SECURITY FAQ’S

• In order to enter the Transition Area, all transition equipment must be loose and in the race issued clear plastic bag that you received at packet pickup or other clear plastic bag. This is just like what you would do with your liquids and gels when going through airport security.

• You can carry in loose items by hand if they do not fit in the clear plastic bag (i.e. a bike pump).

• All unattended bags outside of Transition will be treated as a possible threat by the Newburgh Police. Please exercise common sense and maintain possession of your bag while outside of Transition at all times.

• ALL backpacks, duffle bags, draw string bags, or similar non-translucent bag MUST be empty and placed in the clear plastic bag when entering Transition.

• Hydration Packs (Camelbaks or similar) will be allowed on the race course.

Q: How big is the race issued clear plastic bag?
A: It’s big! The size is 24″wide x 28″high with a 4″ base, and the top closes with a drawstring.

Q: I’m riding my bike to Transition for bike check-in on Saturday. How can I ride my bike and carry the clear plastic bag?
A: Follow these step by step instructions:

1. All transition equipment (i.e. goggles, wetsuit, running shoes) must be placed in race issued clear plastic bag(s) in order to enter Transition.
2. At home, pack all your stuff into your clear plastic bag. Then put your clear plastic bag into your personal bag (backpack) that you are comfortable wearing while riding your bike.
3. Before entering Transition, empty your personal bag and put it in the clear plastic bag with the rest of your stuff.
4. Feel free to rearrange your stuff back into your personal bag once in Transition.

Q: Can I take my gear out of transition in my personal bag after the race and during bike check-out on Sunday?
A: Yes. If you placed your emptied personal bag in the clear plastic bag provided when first entering Transition, you can then put your transition gear in your personal bag to clean up your Transition area after your race, and then walk out of Transition with all your items in your own bag. On Sunday during bike check-out, any new items brought into Transition follow the same security protocols.

Q: Can I leave my emptied personal bag unattended outside of secured Transition to then go pick up my transition gear?
A: NO. Port Jervis Police Dept will shut down the race if any backpack or transition bag is found unattended. This will not only inconvenience you but all the other athletes either still competing or exiting Transition. Your personal bag must already be in Transition for you to take it out. See above question regarding what to do with your personal backpack or transition bag when entering Transition.

ATHLETE GUIDE

The 2015 Athlete Guide will be posted two weeks prior to the race date.

View the 2015 Athlete Guide (coming soon)

SPECTATOR GUIDE

The 2015 Spectator Guide and Race App will be available two weeks prior to the race date.

View the 2015 Spectator Guide (coming soon)

BEST SPOTS TO CHEER

Swim Exit – Newburgh Public Boat Launch.

Restaurant Row (along finish line)

NO-GO ZONES

For the safety of athletes, we ask that you DO NOT attempt to go to the following locations:

1. Transition Area

2. Transition Bike and Run Paths

• Please respect the race marshals and follow their instructions.

3. Finish Line Mix Zone

• The first 40 yards after the finish. It’s for medical, athletes and press. Meet your star in the designated Family Reunion Area.

EVENT SPONSORS

This great race experience is made possible in part by our generous sponsors.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please email our sponsorship team or call 845-522-9338.

Swim – The race starts from the beach in with a 600 kilometer swim from the beach area. The swim course will be a triangular course in the Delaware marked by the large orange round buoys. Water temperature should be between 68 and 78 degrees. Wetsuits are allowed. The swim will exit the river and head up the beach and on a grassy path to the transition area located in the parking area.

Bike – The 10 mile bike course is an out and back course. The first 2.5 miles are in the city of Port Jervis. The course will take riders up to scenic Hawk’s Nest to the turn around. Please be careful while on the road. Riders must stay to the right at all times! Riders must not draft other riders: You must maintain at least THREE bike lengths at all times behind the rider in front of you, and you MUST ride single file while on the Highway. Passing is allowed in a timely manner when it is safe to do so. After passing return to the right side of the road and continue to ride safely. Failure to do so will result in a drafting penalty or disqualification. Crossing the centerline at ANY time will also result in disqualification. Proceed to the turn around at the top of Hawk’s Nest and return to the beach. This area of the road is very beautiful to look at, please enjoy the view after the race, not while riding fast down hill. Please pay attention to all Police and Volunteers along the bike and run course. If they motion to slow down, slow down! Traffic has the right-of-way on the road so ride CAREFULLY. The Bike course will have one aid station. Water and electrolyte beverage, along with energy gels will be available.

Run – The run course begins directly outside the transition area and is a 5 kilometer or 3.1 mile out-and-back course on the roads of Port Jervis. There will be aid stations with cold water, FLUID electrolyte beverage and gels if available. ALL athletes must wear their race number on the front of their body during the run and have it when crossing the finish line.

Transition Area

The Transition area will be on a first-come basis, with the exception of Reserved Bike Racks for TRI Clubs. The transition area at all Triathlon Racing events is for athletes only. All non-athletes must remain outside of the transition area at all times on race day. Bodymarking will be take place at the entrance to the transition area and must be completed before you enter the transition area. Athletes will have their race number marked on their legs and arms and have their age division on their calf. Glass or bottles are not allowed in the transition area.

Aid Stations

Aid stations will be located in the transition area and at mile one and two on the run course, serving cold water, energy gels, and FLUID electrolyte beverage.

Equipment

Expected water temperature for the Delaware will be 72-76 degrees. Wetsuits are optional. Swim fins and snorkels are not allowed. Helmets must be worn and buckled on the bike at all times. Run numbers must be worn on the run and when crossing the finish line. Listening devices of any kind: MP3, IPod, headphones, etc.. are not allowed.